You guys! I'm so excited to present my good friend, Laura, who has started her own blog, Peace and the Pen. She has graciously offered her writing skills as a guest blogger for The Cozy Den. Her approach to minimalism is inspiring, even though I'm no longer pregnant. Please enjoy the following <3

Step into my house and look around. There are toys piled in a basket in the corner and books scattered across the floor. Little grains of rice from yesterday’s sensory activity adorn my kitchen table. The laundry is piled in baskets, waiting to be put away. My houseplants are half dead and I don’t own a single succulent. It’s clear that I can hardly be called a minimalist.Truthfully, I’ve found that minimalism is a journey, not a destination...and much of it takes place inside your head. Living a minimal life is hard when you’re in charge of the daily functioning of many people, and the result is far from perfect.I’ve found that minimalism consists of letting go of the things that aren’t beneficial to you and clearing your head of negative thoughts. Today I’m going to share how I put those theories into place in my pregnancies. Please keep in mind, this is just one approach to applying minimalism to pregnancy. My journey will not work for everyone, but I hope that it inspires you to take some time to truly consider what is beneficial to you and your baby during pregnancy...and what can be tossed away.SuppliesWhen I arrived at the hospital to deliver my first baby, I was 9.5 cm dilated and only 1 hour away from holding my sweet child. I brought a water bottle and a rosary because those were the only things things that seemed necessary when I realized that my baby wasn’t coming out without a little help. I have also been known to tie a receiving blanket onto my baby’s bottom in lieu of a diaper and to let my baby sleep on the floor. That doesn’t mean I’m going to tell you to ditch diapers or toss the crib. In reality, it will take some conversing with your partner--and a bit of trial and error--to figure out what is necessary for you and what you can do without.I will offer you one piece of encouragement. There WILL be times when you aren’t completely prepared. You will forget the wipes on an outing, or you will run out of diapers at an inconvenient time. Your baby WILL be ok. You are a resourceful momma. You will make do, or you will reach out to a mommy nearby and maybe make a new friend in the process. That being said, here are a few things that are essential to me during pregnancy and a few things that I’ve learned to do without.Must Haves:

Prenatals-I especially like whole food based prenatals, which allow my body to absorb more nutrients and, in turn give me more energy and less tummy upset.

Coconut Oil-I use it to keep my skin hydrated during pregnancy and keep it on hand for chapped nipples down the road.

Birth Ball-reclining can be uncomfortable during pregnancy, and can cause the baby to move into an unfavorable position. Instead, I like bounce on my birth ball while I’m watching tv. Plus, it can be very soothing during labor

Have Nots:

Stretch Mark Cream-Unfortunately, stretch marks are mainly genetic. Besides keeping your skin healthy, there’s not much you can do to prevent them. Instead of investing in expensive cream, stay hydrated, monitor your weight gain and use coconut oil or lotion on your tummy, breasts and thighs.

Nursing Tanks-These can run 25 bucks a pop! Do yourself a favor and stock up on camis for $5 each at Target. They’re stretchy enough to pull down under your boob to allow nursing access (big breasted ladies, I may need feedback on this, since I’m a decorated member of the itty bitty titty committee).

Pillow Positioner-I admit, I caved and bought a snoogle during my first pregnancy. While it did quell my crushing hip pain, it also annoyed the heck out of me and became a bit of an obstacle to night-time intimacy with hubby. Now, I pop a bed pillow between my knees and call it a night.

Medical TestingI’ll preface this section by saying that my husband is in the medical profession, and I make a point of discussing medical needs with him during each and every pregnancy. I’m always open to change, depending on what Baby and I need.That being said, these are the tests we consent to during pregnancy:

Initial Ultrasound to confirm heartbeat and establish dates.

Basic Blood Panel to confirm my health.

Regular Doppler Scans to confirm baby’s health.

Urinalysis to detect the presence of protein in the urine (a sign of preeclampsia).

GBS Swab to keep us both safe after birth.

Hubby and I decline genetic testing, because an unfavorable test result won’t change how we feel about our baby, and will likely cause extra stress during our pregnancy. Some parents disagree and feel that they’d prefer the extra time to prepare for Baby’s special needs. We understand that thinking, tooWe also decline further ultrasounds because they are not medically necessary after 20 weeks in a healthy pregnancy. ​

Mental PreparationPreparing your mind for birth and beyond is just as important--if not more so--than setting up Baby’s nursery.Here are a few tips to help you get your mind in shape for labor and mothering:

Practice Pain-I’m going to be honest with you. Labor is going to hurt. Being prepared for the pain will help you embrace it rather than fight it.

Try clutching an ice cube in your hand for 10 seconds. Breathe through the discomfort. Relax your body. Work up to 30 second intervals.

Practice Breathing-Breathing deeply will help you manage pain and fear during labor.

Try lying down and taking slow, deep breaths. Allow your muscles to relax. Envision a place that feels safe to you. Do this each day, starting in your third trimester (or sooner: Meditation and deep breathing are great for your health).

Practice Depending on Your Partner-Whether you’ll be laboring with your husband, doula, mother, or friend, your birth partner will be your support and saving grace during labor. Taking time to practice pain management techniques together will help you both to feel a sense of peace and confidence before the start of labor.

Try the ice cube exercise with your partner. Lay down and clutch the ice cube in your hand. Allow your partner to point out the areas where you are holding tension. Make an effort to relax completely. Allow your partner to guide your breathing.

Toss out Fear-During your pregnancy, take time to remember that you are a strong, smart and capable mother. Things can go wrong, but you can handle any problem that comes your way with confidence and grace. You will be the best you can be for your baby.

No matter how you approach your pregnancy, I hope you can find peace in the knowledge that you are doing the very best for your baby. In the end, all your baby needs is you.Share with me…What things did you use during your first pregnancy that you ditched in subsequent pregnancies?​

Laura says:"​I am a freelance writer with a background in homemaking, early childhood education, and toddler wrangling.

When I am not writing, I am reading, relaxing outdoors, or negotiating the terms of nap time.

​My writing inspires me and helps me process, celebrate, grieve and grow. I hope it does the same for you."